Rules and FAQ
The details.
Everything that is confirmed is here. Open items are marked and will be published in the official rules before entries open.
Official rules
Three serves. One target. A greater purpose.
- 1Find a tennis court and set up the target (a standard tennis ball can).
- 2Record three serves aimed at the can. Film from the returner’s side of the court, from behind the can. Record in real time, with no edits.
- 3Donate $10 for three additional serves if you want them.
- 4Complete a community service act or encourage someone else to serve.
- 5Post your video and invite others to take part using the hashtag #ServeChallenge.
You get three free serves. One video per entrant. For another video, donate $10 for three more serves. Every entrant also buys the official shirt and adds the shirt order ID to their entry.
Key dates and requirements
- Winner announcement
- November 7, 2026
- In-person event
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fall Creek Tennis Academy, Humble, Texas
- Official shirt
- Required to enter
- Registration opens
- To be announced in the official rules
- Last day to order a shirt
- To be announced in the official rules
- Video entry deadline
- November 5, 2026
- Donation cutoff
- To be announced in the official rules
- Number and type of serves
- 3 serves at a tennis ball can
- Video length
- To be announced in the official rules
- Safety conditions
- To be announced in the official rules
- Judging
- To be announced in the official rules
- Prizes
- To be announced in the official rules
Awards
Fundraising Champion
Highest verified fundraising total through Givebutter.
Best Serve Challenge Entry
Judges’ score based on challenge completion, creativity and spirit.
People’s Choice
Most eligible community engagement under the published rules.
Most Inspiring Story
Selected by campaign organizers and/or the charity.
The official rules will also state eligibility, the shirt requirement or alternate way to enter, scoring, release terms and the organizers’ final decision authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Serve Challenge?
A charitable tennis challenge. Supporters get the official shirt, film a serve, post it in the private Facebook Group and rally friends to give, all for the benefit of Watering Seeds.
Is the shirt a donation?
Partly. The shirt is your official entry item, and each purchase includes a donation to Watering Seeds at no extra charge (the amount is shown at checkout). Extra gifts, like the $10 for three more serves, are separate.
Can I submit more than one video?
Each entrant submits one video. If you want to submit another, donate $10 at WateringSeeds.org for three additional serves, then post a second video.
How is my shirt purchase matched to my entry?
After you buy your shirt you get an order ID on your receipt. Put it on your registration and in your entry caption next to your Serve ID so we can confirm your purchase.
Do I have to buy a shirt to enter?
Yes. Every entrant buys the official Watering Seeds logo tee. It is how we confirm your entry, and your purchase includes a donation to Watering Seeds.
What is a Serve ID?
When you register you receive a unique ID like SC-1024. It connects your registration, shirt order, Facebook video entry and fundraising page.
What is the challenge and when is the deadline?
Film 3 serves at a tennis ball can and post your video by November 5, 2026, Central time. Winners are announced November 7, 2026.
Can minors take part?
Yes, with a parent or legal guardian's consent. The guardian ticks the acknowledgment on the registration form.
Is there an in-person event?
Yes: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Fall Creek Tennis Academy, Humble, Texas.
Where do I post my serve video?
Directly in the private Serve Challenge Facebook Group, using the official entry caption. Moderators check every entry before it becomes official.
How are donations credited to me?
You activate a personal Givebutter fundraising page inside the official campaign. Gifts made through your link are credited to you and count toward the main campaign for Watering Seeds.
What happens to my information?
Registration is handled by the Serve Challenge registration system, not this website. The shirt manufacturer only receives what it needs to make and ship your shirt: order reference, name, shipping address, product and size.
I can’t use Facebook. Can I still take part?
A support form covers technical exceptions, such as an inaccessible Facebook account or a participant who needs organizer help.
When are the winners announced?
November 7, 2026, with the total charitable impact, through Facebook Live, campaign email and a social recap.